The History of our Revolution will be one continued Lye from one End to the other. The Essence of the whole will be that Dr Franklins electrical Rod, Smote the Earth and out Sprung General Washington. That Franklin electrifed him with his Rod—and thence forward these two conducted all the Policy Negotiations Legislation and War.
–John Adams, in a 1790 letter to fellow signer of the Declaration Dr. Benjamin Rush (Adams papers, Massachusetts Historical Society)
John Adams, Second POTUS , official portrait (Source: White House Historical Association)
